This module provides an introduction to pre-modern East Asian philosophies and cultures, with a primary focus on Chinese and Japanese traditions. Upon successful completion, participants will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of central themes in East Asian philosophies within their cultural contexts. They will be able to identify similarities and differences between Eastern and Western schools of thought; articulate the connection between philosophical reflection and East Asian cultures; accurately interpret key works in the field; develop critical and creative perspectives; conduct research and compose coherent, properly cited essays on relevant topics; and engage actively in thoughtful, constructive dialogue.
Learning outcomes: On successful completion of this course students should be able to
• display knowledge and understanding of key issues in pre-modern East Asian philosophies and cultures
• demonstrate an understanding of aspects of pre-modern Chinese and Japanese philosophies in relation to their cultural contexts
• explain rigourously and accurately existing works in the field
• develop critical thinking and creative ideas pertaining to the interpretation of pre-modern East Asian philosophies and cultures
• research and write a coherent essay with citations on a set topic in the field of pre-modern East Asian philosophies and cultures
• actively take part in critical and constructive dialogues
Teaching and learning methods: The course is lecture-based, supplemented by discussions.
Reading materials: All relevant excerpts are provided for each topic together with the lecture notes.
Indicative topics:
(1) Philosophy East/West: Comparative introduction to Eastern and Western philosophical traditions
Koller, J.M. & P. (1991) A Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy
Koller, J.M. (2007) Asian Philosophies
Bresnan, P.S. (2007) Awakening: An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought
Wong, D. (2020) ‘Comparative Philosophy: Chinese and Western’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(2) Taoism: Lao-tzu (ca. 604-ca. 531), Chuang-tzu (369-286), and the five dimensions in painting: (i) Brush-Ink; (ii) Yin-Yang; (iii) Mountain-Water; (iv) Human Being-Heaven; (v) The Fifth Dimension
Hansen, C. (2007), ‘Daoism’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Chuang Tzu, Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings
François Cheng, Empty and Full: the Language of Chinese Painting (1994 [1979])
(3) Confucianism: Confucius (ca. 551-479), the Analects and culture
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2020), ‘Confucius’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Chan, Wing-T. (1969) A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy
Confucius, The Analects
(4) Buddhism: From India to East Asia, from Nagarjuna (ca. 2nd-ca. 3rd c.) and Bodhidharma (ca. 5th-ca. 6th c.) to Shan Buddhism and its influence on culture during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279)
Brannigan, M.C. (2000) The Pulse of Wisdom: The Philosophies of India, China, and Japan
Koller, J.M. & P. (1991) A Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy
Charles O. Hucker (1975) China's Imperial Past: An Introduction to Chinese History and Culture
(5) Japanese Thought and Tradition: Between philosophy, religion and culture; ephemerality and imperfection (wabi-sabi)
Heisig, J.W. and Kasulis, T.P. (2011) Japanese Philosophy: A Sourcebook
Keene, D., ‘Japanese Aesthetics’ in Philosophy East and West 19, 3 (1969): 293-306
Kasulis, T. (2019), ‘Japanese Philosophy’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(6) Philosophy of Shinto: Spirituality, politics and culture: shrines, festivals, and nature; Motoori Norinaga (1730-1801)
Fujirawa, G. & Nosco, P. (2018), ‘The Kokugaku (Native Studies) School’, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Heisig, J.W. and Kasulis, T.P. (2011) Japanese Philosophy: A Sourcebook
Nobutaka Inoue & al (2003) Shinto: A Short History
(7) Zen Buddhism: Eisai (1141-1215), Dogen (1200-1253)
Shigenori Nagatomo (2019)‚ ‘Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy‘, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Eihei Dogen (13th c.) Shobogenzo, The Treasure House of the Eye of the True Teaching
Izutsu Toshihiko (1982) Toward a Philosophy of Zen Buddhism